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Headlines through the yearsBy CHRISTINE GRAEF © St. Petersburg Times, published January 7, 2001 A look back at the events, people and places that made North Pinellas the unique place that it is. The information is compiled from past editions of the St. Petersburg Times. Home sites will be given free to veteransTARPON SPRINGS (March 20, 1946) -- Adopting the plan of Mayor Fred Howard and City Attorney Archie Clements for giving free home sites in some of the city's most desirable residential sections to veterans, the City Council last night voted to begin disposing of the lots immediately on a first-come, first-served basis. The plan gives over the property around Sunset Lagoon, against which the city has over $40,000 in claims for improvements and back taxes, entirely to veterans, regardless of whether they were ever residents of Tarpon Springs. The property, which has all improvements, including electricity, water and sewerage, goes to the veterans, free from all taxes, city, county and state. Accompanied by Ray Green, clerk of the circuit court and agent for the internal improvement board, the mayor and city attorney went to Tallahassee Monday to secure state approval for the project. Upon the payment of $2 per lot by the city the state gives up all claim to any back taxes. No taxes will be due on any of these lots until 1947. The only restriction on the lots is that the veterans must begin construction of a home on the land within six months and construction must be completed within two years. The city will help the veterans get a loan either through the Federal Housing Authority or through the GI Bill. When all commitments are okayed by either the two agencies or the veteran has demonstrated that he can build a home without borrowing money, the city will deed over the property to him. Mayor Howard explained that he had gone all through the business of loans and said that for a down payment of only $700 the veteran could build a $7,000 home. Zoning restrictions in the Sunset Hills section will be reduced from 1,600 square feet per house to 1,250. Beach meters could be temporaryCLEARWATER (Dec. 8, 1957) -- Referring to the controversial installation of new parking meters, particularly at Clearwater Beach, Commissioner Sam Roberts said yesterday that, "Your commission was convinced, from many requests from groups on Clearwater Beach, that they wanted parking meters installed on the beach. This is the only reason they were installed. They are now being operated on a 90-day trial and if they don't work or if the majority of people still don't want them, they will be removed." Power franchise debate scheduledCLEARWATER (March 3, 1946) -- Complete arguments, pro and con, on the question of whether Clearwater should operate its own electric power plant will be presented at a public meeting in the municipal auditorium on March 28. Mayor George R. Seavy, outstanding proponent of a municipal ownership, probably will be spokesman for the City Commission and it is expected that the Florida Power company will have an able speaker to present its side of the case. In the referendum scheduled for April 9 the voters will decide one simple question: Shall the city of Clearwater renew the electric franchise to Florida Power? If the voters decide not to renew the franchise, the city will start proceedings for acquiring the distribution system of the power company. Then the city will decide whether to build its own generating plant or purchase power, wholesale from the company and sell it retail. Based on opinions expressed by the man on the street, the average citizen of Clearwater is now opposed to a municipal power plant. -- Christine Graef compiles the history column. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229 or graef@sptimes.com.
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From the Times North Pinellas desks |
